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“Thanks, boss,” she said too quickly. “It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s just?—”
She was overwhelmed.
A particle of shame washed over me. It wasn’t that I didn’t care about Clary. She was always so eagerand quick to do what I asked that I didn’t stop to think of her feelings on things.
I probably should.
“It’s a lot at once,” I said. “I get it. Don’t worry about anything else, Clary. You know how much I appreciate you.”
At least, I hoped she knew. I’d given her what I thought was a generous bonus for all the things she did to help me out.
Maybe it was time to double her bonus.
I was sure I could bribe her—or anyone—to carry out this last-minute request for me if I offered to pay them enough, but that felt too…I don’t know. Insensitive.
“Thanks. Talk to you later.”
I ended the call and ran my hands through my hair, considering my options. Letting go of this idea wasn’t one of them. But who could I find to help?
I hadn’t heard from many of the guys about the invitation I’d sent out to attend the ball.
Adrian was the first person I always thought of. He’d been my best friend since we’d met at the fraternity. I had no doubt he’d be down for hanging out at the hospital Christmas morning.
But with Gabby’s pregnancy, she and Adrian wouldn’t be coming.
Several more ticks went by. I dialed the next person who darted into my mind.
My sister, Gemma, answered after the third ring.
“Hawk?”
I rose from my chair and began pacing the rug. “Hey,Gemma. I have a last-minute idea, and I’m wondering if you can help me pull it off.”
Gemma ran a prestigious party planning company and organized everything, from high-end wedding receptions to twelve-year-old girls’ debut parties.
I explained my idea, and I made it sound pretty amazing, if I say so myself.
“I don’t know,” Gemma said. “That’s a lot to put on the hospital staff, especially this late. It’s December twenty-third. Have you called them about this? You need to get their approval.”
“I will,” I assured her. “But what do you think? Can you get everything set up for me?”
She had to have kiosks and stands and that kind of thing already on hand.
“What happened to Clary?”
“She’s already doing enough.” I rested my hand on my hip.
“So naturally, you thought of me.” Her tone was laced with sarcasm.
“Come on, sis. I babysit for you even when I don’t want to. Can you help me out?”
It wasn’t like I hadn’t helped her with a candy supply for a wedding she’d planned last year, too. I’d gone all out—or I’d had Clary go all out, anyway.
I could bring that up as well. Apply a little guilt to the situation.
“You and I both know you love my kids.” Her tone brookedno nonsense.
I smiled. “You know I had to say it.” She was right. Her kids were awesome. I just had to tease her.
